Moments from the Lodge you will discover the essence of unspoiled Lake Tarawera which offers an array of premium activities in a natural New Zealand lake setting. Please contact the Lodge hosts for details on cost and availability for all our suggested experiences and excursions.
Approximately 90 min round trip
Take a 15-minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Best accessed prior to breakfast. Enjoy soaking in the thermal waters rising gently through the lake bed as the morning sun filters through native bush.
Approximately 90 min round trip
Take a 15-minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Best accessed prior to breakfast. Enjoy soaking in the thermal waters rising gently through the lake bed as the morning sun filters through native bush.
Tour and Guided Mountain Walk | 1 hour
From the Lodge Helipad, combine a flight that includes landing on Mount Tarawera (20 minutes tour on the mountain top), as well as spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire.
Tour and Guided Mountain Walk | 3 hours
Experience a breathtaking trip to New Zealand’s historically important Mount Tarawera. Combine the thrill of landing on the exposed summit of Mount Tarawera with an unforgettable flight that includes spectacular aerial views of stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves.
After flying over Wai-O-Tapu, we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua and returning you to the Lodge.
Tour and Guided Mountain Walk | 1 hour
From the Lodge Helipad, combine a flight that includes landing on Mount Tarawera (20 minutes tour on the mountain top), as well as spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire.
Tour and Guided Mountain Walk | 3 hours
Experience a breathtaking trip to New Zealand’s historically important Mount Tarawera. Combine the thrill of landing on the exposed summit of Mount Tarawera with an unforgettable flight that includes spectacular aerial views of stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves.
After flying over Wai-O-Tapu, we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua and returning you to the Lodge.
3 hours easy hike
This invigorating half day experience starts with a short speedboat transfer to the trout laden Tarawera outlet stream, – the starting point for the scenic hike to the Tarawera Falls. The stream is the outlet for several lakes and eventually heads underground to emerge later as a spectacular 200-foot-high waterfall. Walk through native bush of Pohutukawa and Rata trees with native bird sounds of Tuis, Fantails and Kereru. Rest and bathe in river swimming holes along the way and indulge in a picnic lunch to the rhythmic background of cascading waters. Return transfers included.
3 hours easy hike
This invigorating half day experience starts with a short speedboat transfer to the trout laden Tarawera outlet stream, – the starting point for the scenic hike to the Tarawera Falls. The stream is the outlet for several lakes and eventually heads underground to emerge later as a spectacular 200-foot-high waterfall. Walk through native bush of Pohutukawa and Rata trees with native bird sounds of Tuis, Fantails and Kereru. Rest and bathe in river swimming holes along the way and indulge in a picnic lunch to the rhythmic background of cascading waters. Return transfers included.
3 hours – tailored to the needs of beginners and skilled fishermen
The Hamill family have been professional guides in the Rotorua region for many years. Departing from Solitaire Lodge’s Jetty, John Hamill’s generous Catamaran takes you on a private lake excursion jigging and trolling to proven fishing grounds. Lake Tarawera boasts the largest water volume in the Lakes District, at an average of 200ft deep, and is the ideal spawning ground for Rainbow Trout. Catching 4 to 5-pound trout is a regular occurrence, the excitement of which is only matched by the lure of the chase, and the enjoyment of fresh trout prepared for you by our Chef. Another option is to combine an early morning bathe in Lake Tarawera’s natural hot springs, breakfast on board followed by fishing for Rainbow Trout, – all in half a day.
Boat fishing on Lake Tarawera is not available for 1 July through 31 September as it is a breeding lake. Please contact the lodge for alternative options.
3 hours – tailored to the needs of beginners and skilled fishermen
The Hamill family have been professional guides in the Rotorua region for many years. Departing from Solitaire Lodge’s Jetty, John Hamill’s generous Catamaran takes you on a private lake excursion jigging and trolling to proven fishing grounds. Lake Tarawera boasts the largest water volume in the Lakes District, at an average of 200ft deep, and is the ideal spawning ground for Rainbow Trout. Catching 4 to 5-pound trout is a regular occurrence, the excitement of which is only matched by the lure of the chase, and the enjoyment of fresh trout prepared for you by our Chef. Another option is to combine an early morning bathe in Lake Tarawera’s natural hot springs, breakfast on board followed by fishing for Rainbow Trout, – all in half a day.
Boat fishing on Lake Tarawera is not available for 1 July through 31 September as it is a breeding lake. Please contact the lodge for alternative options.
Easy lake access allows exploration of surrounding waters with secluded private bays, deep water swimming and shoreline trails through native bush to explore on foot. From the Lodge’s jetty you have a choice of boating options including motorised dinghies and kayaks. Paddle the protected waters of the Otumutu Lagoon, home to ancient Maori sites. See Black Swans gliding by in the protected waters as well as rare native bird life.
Use of Lodge dinghies and kayaks are included in your stay.
Easy lake access allows exploration of surrounding waters with secluded private bays, deep water swimming and shoreline trails through native bush to explore on foot. From the Lodge’s jetty you have a choice of boating options including motorised dinghies and kayaks. Paddle the protected waters of the Otumutu Lagoon, home to ancient Maori sites. See Black Swans gliding by in the protected waters as well as rare native bird life.
Use of Lodge dinghies and kayaks are included in your stay.
48km trail – active 5 hours
Your transfer takes you to bubbling mud pools in the Wai O Tapu valley. From this drop-off point, follow the Te Ara Ahi Thermal Cycle Trail heading North. Highlights along the route include a Natural Hot Stream for soaking, Rainbow Mountain base track (a smoldering mountain of colored earth and unique plant species) as well as Waimangu Volcanic Valley with steaming cauldrons of thermal water. Finally, cycle through the lush forestry trail through Rotokakahi (Green Lake) and Tikitapu (Blue Lake), where you will be collected for return to Solitaire Lodge.
Rotorua is located in the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau and uniquely built on top of an active geo thermal field. It is also the cultural home of the indigenous Maori people. Twelve major lakes surround the city, with the historic Lake Tarawera lapping at the base of the now dormant volcano, Mount Tarawera. In this region you can view twenty-meter high geyser eruptions, vividly coloured lakes, hot springs and boiling mud pools as well as experience Maori customs and cultural displays. Rotorua is a major visitor destination and offers many natural as well as adrenalin adventures to enjoy.
Rotorua is located in the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau and uniquely built on top of an active geo thermal field. It is also the cultural home of the indigenous Maori people. Twelve major lakes surround the city, with the historic Lake Tarawera lapping at the base of the now dormant volcano, Mount Tarawera. In this region you can view twenty-meter high geyser eruptions, vividly coloured lakes, hot springs and boiling mud pools as well as experience Maori customs and cultural displays. Rotorua is a major visitor destination and offers many natural as well as adrenalin adventures to enjoy.
3+ hours tour with professional tour guide
Your guide from the indigenous Ngati Rangitihi tribe, the Kaitiaki or ‘Guardians of the Mountain’, will drive you by private vehicle to the foot of the magnificent Mount Tarawera. There you will ascend part of the Maunga by 4WDrive, before beginning a hike to the 1111m Summit. Along the way your guide will delight you with stories of the 1886 volcanic eruption and the area’s colourful Maori legends including the tale of the mysterious Phantom Canoe. Enjoy lunch on the summit followed by the descent into the crater before returning to the vehicle and travelling back to the Lodge.
3+ hours tour with professional tour guide
Your guide from the indigenous Ngati Rangitihi tribe, the Kaitiaki or ‘Guardians of the Mountain’, will drive you by private vehicle to the foot of the magnificent Mount Tarawera. There you will ascend part of the Maunga by 4WDrive, before beginning a hike to the 1111m Summit. Along the way your guide will delight you with stories of the 1886 volcanic eruption and the area’s colourful Maori legends including the tale of the mysterious Phantom Canoe. Enjoy lunch on the summit followed by the descent into the crater before returning to the vehicle and travelling back to the Lodge.
9.5km | 1-2 hours | Easy
Follow ‘Te Ara Ahi’ through ‘Hemo Gorge’towards Waipa Carpark. From here follow the the Forest Loop towards Whaka Lower lookout, enjoy this beautiful lookout over the volcanic parks Te Puia and The Living Maori Village. Continue your way back by following the Forest Loop until Nursery Rd. Follow the trail back to the The Living Maori Village.
17.3km | 1- 2.5 hours | Easy
Explore the geothermal trail in The Living Maori Village and towards the Mokopuna Trail in the Redwoods forest, then ride towards more geothermal wonders before opening up to expose the magnificent views over Lake Rotorua and the township.
40km | 3 – 5 hours | Easy single track
Looking for an easy day ride? Then the Forest Loop is a good option. This loop is a link of different grade 2 trails and offers beautiful views of Lake Rotorua, Blue and Green Lake. There are a few nice coffee and food stops along the way. With our “E-bikes” the forest loop is suitable from beginners to riders that simply want to enjoy the beauty of Rotorua’s Forest.
9.5km | 1-2 hours | Easy
Follow ‘Te Ara Ahi’ through ‘Hemo Gorge’towards Waipa Carpark. From here follow the the Forest Loop towards Whaka Lower lookout, enjoy this beautiful lookout over the volcanic parks Te Puia and The Living Maori Village. Continue your way back by following the Forest Loop until Nursery Rd. Follow the trail back to the The Living Maori Village.
17.3km | 1- 2.5 hours | Easy
Explore the geothermal trail in The Living Maori Village and towards the Mokopuna Trail in the Redwoods forest, then ride towards more geothermal wonders before opening up to expose the magnificent views over Lake Rotorua and the township.
40km | 3 – 5 hours | Easy single track
Looking for an easy day ride? Then the Forest Loop is a good option. This loop is a
link of different grade 2 trails and offers beautiful views of Lake Rotorua, Blue and Green Lake. There are a few nice coffee and food stops along the way. With our “E-bikes” the forest loop is suitable from beginners to riders that simply want to enjoy the beauty of Rotorua’s Forest.
Gift a lifetime memory. Solitaire Lodge vouchers are available for purchase to any value. Contact our Lodge hosts for more details.
Gift a lifetime memory. Solitaire Lodge vouchers are available for purchase to any value. Contact our Lodge hosts for more details.
In support of the NZ government’s Coronavirus efforts, we look forward to welcoming you to our place from late April 2020. In the meantime, we look forward to hearing how we can assist with planning your future visit. T: +64 7-362 8208 E: solitaire@solitairelodge.co.nz our reservations team welcomes your enquiry.
